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Dickinson College vs Lehigh University

Dickinson College is a private college in Carlisle, PA, and Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA. Lehigh University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 26% of applicants against 42% at Dickinson College. Lehigh University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $36,931 a year against $37,607 at Dickinson College. About 89% of students graduate at Lehigh University, compared with 82% at Dickinson College. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $70,204 for Dickinson College.

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Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA · Private

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Carlisle, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,273
5,898
Acceptance rate
42%
26%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1460
1370–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$37,607
$36,931
Full cost / yr
$82,902
$80,856
In-state tuition
$65,650
$64,980
Out-of-state tuition
$65,650
$64,980
Application fee
$65
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$40,755
$16,917
$30k - $48k
$15,081
$17,140
$48k - $75k
$16,316
$18,722
$75k - $110k
$22,696
$22,184
Over $110k
$45,175
$48,751
Outcomes
Graduation rate
82%
89%
Freshman retention
92%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,110
$88,810
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,204
$105,584
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$21,960
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
18%
First-generation students
12%
17%
International students
12%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Dickinson College or Lehigh University harder to get into?
Lehigh University is harder to get into. It admits about 26% of applicants, compared with 42% at Dickinson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Dickinson College or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,931 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,607 at Dickinson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Dickinson College and Lehigh University?
Before aid, Lehigh University costs about $80,856 a year and Dickinson College about $82,902. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Dickinson College or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,917 there, against about $40,755 at Dickinson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Dickinson College or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is the larger of the two, with about 5,898 undergraduates against 2,273 at Dickinson College.
Does Dickinson College or Lehigh University have a better graduation rate?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 82% at Dickinson College.
Do graduates of Dickinson College or Lehigh University earn more?
Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,204 for Dickinson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Dickinson College and Lehigh University require SAT or ACT scores?
Dickinson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Dickinson College and Lehigh University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1460 at Dickinson College and 1370–1500 at Lehigh University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school